It may surprise you that hundreds of Bible prophecies are for Israel only, but would you like to know what kind of prophecy that's designed for 'the people' [like you and me]?
Is there any relevant prophecy for the world today?
Many in the Preterist camp believe that all of God's prophecies are already fulfilled. But Preterism would also point you to AD30-70 as the transitory period between the old world and the new world of Israel. According to Larry Siegle,
"During the time between the Cross and 70 CE a wholesale transformation was taking place..."
It is interesting to know that there was a period of change during those 40 years. What did it allow that literally affected the entire Israel nation and the surrounding nations as well? If that transformation period would still happen today, what would be the cause of it? And how would that change influence us, Bible-believers, today?
That 40-year event was the culmination of the feud between two peoples, the Jews and non-Jews, but fulfillment of prophecy was the thing. Plus, it ended with the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in AD70.
Obviously, prophecy played a big role, but it's really the language that shook the Jewish nation.
Here's a record from the Book of Acts [Net Bible]:
Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven residing in Jerusalem.
Acts 2:6 When this sound occurred, a crowd gathered and was in confusion, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
Acts 2:7 Completely baffled, they said, "Aren't all these who are speaking Galileans?
Acts 2:8 And how is it that each one of us hears them in our own native language?
Acts 2:9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and the province of Asia,
Acts 2:10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene, and visitors from Rome,
Acts 2:11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs – we hear them speaking in our own languages about the great deeds God has done!"
Acts 2:12 All were astounded and greatly confused, saying to one another, "What does this mean?"
Acts 2:13 But others jeered at the speakers, saying, "They are drunk on new wine!"
Traditionally, the Jews from every nation went to the Day of Pentecost using their own native language. Logically then, that event confused the crowd because, during the Second Temple Period, Hebrew was their liturgical language, the lashon ha-kodesh [the holy language or sacred tongue].
That change in language does actually matter! The religious life of the Jewish community was dependent on Hebrew. But since second century CE, Hebrew was no longer the Judaic national language.
What was commonly known as "the language originally spoken by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden" disappeared as a spoken language during the exile of the Jews. While many of the Jews believe that Hebrew was the language of the angels, some scholars believe that it became a dead language.
But why did the Jews believed in a "pure language" that would unite all their people?
We can read that from the Book of Zephaniah:
Zeph 3:9 For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.
If you belong to the Preterist camp, I'd like you to consider this prophecy having an ongoing fulfillment after AD70.
As part of God's decision to gather the nations or kingdoms on a Day of Judgment, He had decreed that there would be a pure language for 'the people' who would call upon the Name of the Lord. That people would, with one mind and one mouth, shoulder to shoulder, glorify God for the great works He has done (Romans 15:6).
Let's read it again:
Zeph 3:8 Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.
Zeph 3:9 For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.
Zeph 3:10 From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering.
Can you see what I'm seeing about the pure language of God's suppliants [worshippers]?
Mainstream Christianity believes that Zephaniah 3:9-10 is about the revival of the ancient Hebrew language and the restoration of the Jews to their land, but the context is about God's worshippers from "beyond the rivers of Ethiopia" and God's "dispersed people" after the Day of Judgment.
If you read further, Zephaniah is informing us that the remnant of Israel would no longer boast about God's holy mountain, the city or the temple of Jerusalem.
Zeph 3:11 In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.
You would realize too that the remnant of Israel would no longer do wrong and tell lies.
Zeph 3:13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
So, do you see now what the pure language is all about?
This pure language is the truth that came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). Also, the pure speech is found in those who worship the Father in spirit and truth (John 4:23). The pure language is about JESUS, the way, THE TRUTH, and the life (John 14:6).
THE PURE LANGUAGE IS THE TRUTH! THE PURE WORD IS JESUS!
The remnant of Israel would no longer claim worldly eminence because THE TRUTH OF GOD had changed their nation. In fact, THE TRUTH is still changing nations today, freeing peoples and nations from Jewish fables, myths, superstitions, and the lies of religions.
LIFE-CHANGING TRUTH —that's the kind of message for you and me!
Stay truthful!
